There are some key things to look for if you are on a mission to find that ideal family home so next time you are considering areas take note of these important points which would be the key consideration for families.

SchoolsObviously schools are going to be high on the priority list so the first thing to do with any suburb is look at the school boundaries for the area.

Which local schools would children be attending, or are there private schools either in the area or within a commutable distance? Don’t just look at primary schools either.

Consider which high schools the local primary schools feed into, or how many desirable private high schools are within a short distance.

Parks & outdoor facilitiesKids need space – a lot of it! Even if there is a big garden it’s good to know there are parks or playgrounds within walking distance, or at least a short drive.

Some areas have huge parks with lakes, playgrounds and playing fields, but others may just have small grassy areas between houses as their green space. Most, if not all children love a good run around in the fresh air, so being near a great outdoor space is worth its weight in gold.

ShoppingBeing close to shops and shopping centres is another key consideration. Local shops are great for popping in when you have run out of your pantry staples or just need a litre of milk.

Shopping centres offer a wider variety of retail stores and often come with added extras like restaurants and cinemas, great for those with teenagers.

Transport linksProximity to public transport may not seem that important when your children are young, but when they hit high school, they may be getting a bus or train to school regularly, so being near a bus route or train station would definitely come in handy.

It also means less work for Mum or Dad’s Taxi as they can make their own way home.

Community & medical servicesCommunity services and facilities can be an indicator on how family friendly a neighbourhood is.

Do you have easy access to local hospitals, emergency services, libraries and children’s health services? Most families with children tend to use these services more than those without kids so having these kinds of facilities nearby is something to take into account. Local doctors and dentists are also important, as the last thing you want to do when you have sick children is drive miles to see a doctor.

About the blogger

Cindy Knight is the general manager of Time Conti Sheffield in Victoria Park. Cindy has been working at Time Conti Sheffield since 2002 and during this time has seen many changes in the property management industry in Perth.

Cindy is passionate about delivering the best service to every property investor that walks through the doors of Time Conti Sheffield and her insider knowledge of the local real estate market means she is an expert in her field.